BALA HOUSE | Cheap Hotel in Edinburgh | Book & Save

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Key details

About the Hotel

1 B Mayfield Terrace, Edinburgh, United Kingdom, EH9 1RU

Near the Historic Old Town

Great

8.7

/10

Loved by Bala House Hotel guests

Super clean rooms
Helpful host
Comfortable bed
Excellent value

"Because we are elderly and have difficulty with stairs, they gave us ground level room."

Stephanie from Australia

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"Bala House is in a quiet and lovely area, just a few minutes from Edinburgh city centre."

Laura from Italy

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"Car parking provided."

Jane from Australia

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4-star boutique hotel in Edinburgh's Old Town

Accommodations

Bala House offers 10 individual guest rooms, each uniquely decorated with rich fabrics and tasteful artwork. Some rooms provide views of the historic city, allowing guests to experience Edinburgh's charm from the comfort of their accommodations. With en-suite bathrooms and flat-screen TVs in each room, the hotel caters to both leisure and business travelers who value comfort.

Dining

The hotel features a thoughtfully curated breakfast menu highlighting local produce and traditional Scottish fare. Guests can enjoy an array of fresh baked goods, fruits, and hot breakfast options to start their day. With dining options available throughout the day, guests can savor authentic flavors without leaving the hotel.

Location

Located in the historic Old Town of Edinburgh, Bala House is just a short walk from major attractions like Edinburgh Castle and the Royal Mile. The hotel's ideal placement makes it convenient for guests to explore the city's rich culture and history. Public transportation is easily accessible, providing opportunities to discover Edinburgh's surrounding areas.

Family Amenities

Bala House welcomes families and provides amenities designed to accommodate guests of all ages. Babysitting services can be arranged to allow parents some much-needed personal time. Child-friendly meal options are also available, ensuring that younger visitors have enjoyable dining experiences.

Luxury Features

The hotel's standout element is the exclusive rooftop terrace, where guests can relax with stunning panoramic views of the Edinburgh skyline. This space is perfect for enjoying a morning coffee or evening drinks while taking in the surroundings. Additional facilities include a cozy lounge area and dedicated business workspace for those traveling for work.

Highlights

Location: Historic Old Town, short walk from major attractions

Rooms: 10 individual guest rooms, en-suite bathrooms

Dining: Thoughtfully curated breakfast menu, authentic flavors

Family Amenities: Babysitting services, child-friendly meal options

“In Edinburgh's Newington, this hotel strikes a smart balance: it's close to major attractions like the Royal Mile, yet offers a quiet, residential feel. I think the free parking is a real find given the location, and the amenities ensure a comfortable stay, with thoughtful touches like accessible upper floors.”

Olivia SmithEditor-in-Chief at Cheaphotels

Location: Great

8.8/10Review score

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Highlights from guests

Guest ParkingOnsite Relief

Parking onsite was a huge plus. I didn't need my car during my entire stay.

Oliver from England

Review on

Room FeaturesTidy Comfort

The room was very clean, comfortable and warm, with all the basic elements required and toiletries provided.

Aisha from Scotland

Review on

BedroomComfort Defined

The bed was lovely and comfortable. It was also very clean and a good size.

Kenzo from Japan

Review on

Media & EntertainmentGreat Apps

The TV had a good selection of apps. It was easy to relax and stream movies.

Peter from Canada

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View all

Select your room type

The hotel provides a selection of rooms—doubles, family rooms, and suites—with perks like free cancellation, breakfast options, and great value deals

Double Room

2 persons

155 sq. feet

1 Double bed

Shower

Heating

room details

Double Room Private External Bathroom

2 persons

130 sq. feet

1 Double bed

Shower

Heating

room details

Room rates & availability calendar

See the best prices and book your dates today!

Amenities & services

Real traveler stories and honest reviews—no glossy ads, just authentic feedback to guide your booking

Facilities: Great

8.6/10Review score

General

Non-smoking rooms
Wi-Fi
Free parking
Off-site car park
No pets allowed
Luggage storage

Guest Parking

Electric kettle

Services

Housekeeping

Children

Cots

Room features

Tea and coffee facilities

Bathroom

Free toiletries

Self-catering

Electric kettle

Media

Flat-screen TV

Room decor

Parquet floor

Bala House Hotel Location

1 B Mayfield Terrace, Edinburgh, United Kingdom, EH9 1RU

Map view

1 B Mayfield Terrace, Edinburgh, United Kingdom, EH9 1RU

City landmarks

Museum

Edinburgh Castle

1.4 mi

Landmark

Arthur's Seat hike

1.2 mi

Museum

National Museum of Scotland

1.3 mi

Landmark

Royal Mile

1.3 mi

Palace

Palace of Holyroodhouse

1.5 mi

Landmark

The Real Mary King's Close

1.3 mi

Museum

Camera Obscura and World of Illusions

1.3 mi

Park

Princes Street Gardens

1.5 mi

Gallery

Scottish National Gallery

1.4 mi

Store

Edinburgh Old Town

1.2 mi

Landmark

Calton Hill

1.4 mi

Church

St Giles' Cathedral

1.3 mi

Park

Holyrood Park

1.5 mi

Landmark

Princes Street

1.5 mi

Monument

Scott Monument

1.4 mi

Landmark

Surgeons' Hall Museums

1.3 mi

Museum

Dynamic Earth

1.5 mi

Landmark

Nelson Monument

1.4 mi

Landmark

The Scotch Whisky Experience

1.3 mi

Castle

Craigmillar Castle

1.4 mi

Museum

The Writers' Museum

1.3 mi

Museum

Museum of Childhood

1.3 mi

Museum

Gladstone's Land

1.3 mi

Landmark

Royal Yacht Britannia

3.3 mi

Cemetery

The Robertson Mausoleum

1.3 mi

Landmark

The Meadows

4600 ft

Public Building

The Scottish Parliament

1.3 mi

University

University of Edinburgh

4600 ft

Art object

Greyfriars Bobby's Grave

1.3 mi

Square

Grassmarket

1.9 mi

Nearby

21 Dalkeith Road

Royal Commonwealth Pool

1400 ft

Holyrood Park Education Centre 1 Queen's Drive Holyrood Park

St Anthony's Chapel

1800 ft

Restaurants

The Abbey Bar

2300 ft

65 South Clerk Street

The Pacific Fish Bar

2400 ft

61 Mayfield Road

Scotch Hop

2100 ft

114 Causewayside

Strigicake

2100 ft

1 East Preston Street

Indaba Deli

2600 ft

17 Causewayside

Considerit

3100 ft

3-5a Sciennes

Enjoy - Gusto Italiano

2600 ft

44 South Clerk Street

Explore Edinburgh

Royal Commonwealth Pool

5 minutes' walk

An Olympic-sized swimming pool with a gym and sauna, ideal for fitness enthusiasts and families.

Arthur's Seat

25-minute walk

A dormant volcano and the main peak in Holyrood Park, offers stunning views of the city.

National Museum of Scotland

25-minute walk

A vast collection of Scottish artifacts and exhibits, with free admission and guided tours available.

Palace of Holyroodhouse

30-minute walk

The official residence of the monarch in Scotland, features gorgeous gardens and rich history.

Hiking at Arthur's Seat

25-minute walk

An exhilarating hike with breathtaking views and a sense of accomplishment at the summit.

Yoga in the Park

10 minutes' walk

Relaxing yoga sessions held outdoors, perfect for rejuvenation amidst nature.

The Abbey Bar

9-minute walk

A cozy pub offering traditional Scottish fare and local beers. Reservations recommended.

The Pacific Fish Bar

9-minute walk

Famed for its fresh fish and chips served in a casual setting. Great for a quick meal.

The Stand Comedy Club

25-minute walk

Host to comedy shows and events, providing a great evening of laughter for all ages.

Edinburgh Playhouse

10-minute drive

A grand theater featuring major touring musicals and performances. Book tickets in advance.

Getting around town

City Centre

Edinburgh24 min · 1.2 mi

Airports

Edinburgh (EDI)34 min · 14.0 mi

Glasgow (GLA)144 min · 59.5 mi

Bus

Bus stop14 min · 3700 ft

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Property information and rules

Check-in

from 14:00-22:30

Check-out

until 10 am

Guest Parking

Public parking is possible at a location nearby for free.

Internet

Wireless internet is available in for free.

Children & extra beds

There are no cots provided in a room.

Pets

Pets are not allowed.

Reviews and Ratings

What past guests shared about their stay

Review summary

Based on recent reviews

Guests frequently highlight the cleanliness throughout Bala House, noting fresh linen and a particularly beautiful and modern bathroom. The convenient location allows for comfortable walks to the city center and easy access to other shops and public transport via bus, though some guests have mentioned limited car parking. Rooms are equipped with comfortable beds and useful amenities like USB chargers on both sides, while also offering practical features such as locks on doors.

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Review score

Based on 108 verified reviews

8.5/10

Great

95%

Recommend

Free Wi-Fi

9.9/10

Staff

9.6/10

Value for money

8.5/10

Facilities

8.6/10

Pros

Clean room

Good location

Comfortable bed

Cons

Thin walls

Low water pressure

Squeaky floorboards

Scarlett from United Kingdom

Single

double room

3 nights in November 2025

Reviewed: December 12, 2025

6/10

slightly underwhelming stay

frequent buseslimited heating

The location was good. Buses to the city center were frequent.

the room's heating was only on for a few hours daily. it was pretty cold returning after a day out, i'd expected a warmer welcome.

0 Helpful

Nathaniel from United Kingdom

Single

double room

3 nights in October 2025

Reviewed: November 10, 2025

9/10

clean floorsfresh linenusb charger

the floors were very clean. fresh linen was provided regularly. usb chargers were installed on both sides of the bed.

the car parking was limited.

0 Helpful

FAQs

About Bala House

What are the check-in and check-out times at Bala House?

Check-in is at 14:00 and check-out is at 10:30.

How far is Bala House from Edinburgh Castle?

Bala House is located 3 km from Edinburgh Castle.

What amenities are available in the rooms at Bala House?

Rooms at Bala House feature free Wi-Fi, a flat-screen TV, a hairdryer, and tea/coffee making facilities.

Is parking available at Bala House?

Free public parking is available nearby without a reservation.

Which restaurants are located close to Bala House?

Nearby restaurants include Tony's Fish Bar, Beetroot Sauvage, The Grange Takeaway, Voujon, Spencer's Bistro, Leslies Bar, Ristorante Isola, and Delhi Diner, all within 0.5 km.

What is the distance from Bala House to the University of Edinburgh?

Bala House is 2 km from the University of Edinburgh.

How far is Bala House from the nearest airport?

Bala House is 23 km from Edinburgh Airport.

What key attractions are within 2 km of Bala House?

Attractions within 2 km include the National Museum of Scotland and the Royal Mile.

What features make Bala House suitable for leisure travelers?

Bala House is located in a quiet area of Newington, offering easy access to historical sites and public transport.